2010 SAIL: BVI

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Boys & Girls Ages 12-17
5:1 Ratio
Week 10: 8/7-15 
Sat-Sun
$2100+airfare

About Sail CLS: : Only three things are needed for this trip: a bathing suit, flip flops, and sunscreen... we'll provide the boat. Our rented 52ft, monohaul sailboat will be captained by expert Calleva sailing instructors. We will start our trip in Tortola where we will get our provisions and snorkeling gear before we head out on our Caribbean adventure. Each day will be spent sailing from island to island. Along the way we will stop at some of the most clear and colorful coral reefs the BVIs have to offer for some snorkeling and diving. There will be an opportunity for certified Scuba Divers to get in two or three dives. Once we reach our destinations we will explore the Caribbean island life. Some of the island we visit will have will villages on them while others will be uninhabited and we will have our own private island. There will be daily opportunities for individuals to take turns deciding our itinerary and plotting our course. Our expert instructors will have daily lessons in adjusting and trimming sails, navigating, chart reading, steering and mooring the boat. Students will also be cooking, swabbing the decks, attending the lines, and other nautical chores. Nights are spent suspended form hammocks on deck enjoying the island breeze. There isn't a week at Calleva as unique as this one!

Certified Scuba Divers will get a chance for at least 2 dives as well! We'll hunt for local wrecks. No experience necessary; skills will be taught and roles will be assigned and in the end, you will have garnered some serious experience. This is a team effort, and everyone must work together at having the greatest possible time. Even though everyone will be living, sleeping, and eating on the boat, many side trips and adventures will take place on terra firma. Come with us and have the time of your life. Learn how to sail, work on that tan, swim/snorkel/dive in gorgeous water, and join a great group of campers for more than just a three hour tour!

2010 BVI ITINERARY:

  • Saturday: Arrive in Tortola, pick up supplies and our beautiful yacht at the Moorings, a large manna that will be our base camp. Once on the boat we will sail over to Peter Island where we can relax and enjoy our first night in the tropics. 
  • Sunday: We will leave before sun up and sail past Salt Island where we will stop and snorkel over the famous Wreck of the Rhone, a Royal mail ship that went down in a hurricane. Certified Divers will have a chance to explore this 1867 wreck in 2 dives (Bring your PADI cards!). (If you're not Dive-trained and are interested in this component--come a week early to our CLS SCUBA training week on St. John!). In the afternoon we will arrive at The Bathes in Virgin Gorda. The Baths is world renown beach as a highlight on this stop. There are plenty of fun little gift shops as well. Tonight we will spend a night moored at the scenic Bathes. 
  • Monday: We leave the Bathes this morning and sail to the Bitter End. There are many places to visit along the way including Lewenick Bay and The Sand Box, a lovely harbor with a gorgeous beach. We will now be in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Necker Island, owned by Richard Branson, is around the corner. (An exclusive vacation spot for many of the rich and famous world wide). This is a beautiful area to swim, hike and sightsee. 
  • Tuesday: Today we will take a long sail from the Bitter End to Sandy Spot, a tiny island between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke which is seen on most post cards from the BVI. It is a breath taking little island with plenty of snorkeling and even a chance to see small (friendly) nurse sharks. Tonight we will moor at Jost Van Dyke and perhaps have a meal at the famous Foxy's. After spending the day at White Beach on Jost Van Dyke, bouncing on their water trampoline and perhaps a visit to Sandy Key we will sail around the west end of Tortola to Norman Island. Tonight we will moor at Pirate's Bight. 
  • Wednesday: Norman Island is the location from which Robert Louis Stevenson based his novel, "Treasure Island". There are caves to explore and the chance to find hidden treasure! A local fisherman recently found an untold fortune of doubloons hidden in one of the caves! Cannon balls have also been found on the beaches. Near by, at a rock formation call the Indians, we will have a chance to do some of the most scenic snorkeling in the BVI. This is a potential diving spot too! The colors and variety of fish are unbelievable! Swim through the underwater tunnel if you dare! 
  • Thursday: With winds allowing, we will make headway up to Anegeda Island today. This is a snorkelers' paradise where coral reefs encircle the island. Conditions prevailing, divers will attempt to dive the Wreck of the Chikuzen, a Korean fishing boat that went aground. 
  • Friday: We'll need to be ambling back to Tortola by way of an island of the crew's choosing--now that they are BVI sailing experts. Can they take the helm, read the charts, and snag that mooring ball? 
  • Saturday: For our last day in paradise, we can enjoy one last tropical swim at Road Town, Tortola before we shower off the sun block & pack up our gear.  We may visit Charlotte Amalie and enjoy one last tasty Caribbean meal together. 
  • Sunday: Leave our beautiful boat and catch our flight back to Washington DC. 


*This is a tentative itinerary, locations are subject to change depending on weather conditions and group decisions. Final itinerary is kept updated in the office.

NEEDSLIST: EVERYTHING SHOULD FIT INTO 1 CARRY-ON BAG! This is what we call a minimalist trip. All you need is 1 set each of Boat clothes, town/airline clothes, toilet kit, hat & sunglasses, sun screen, extra underwear,...oh, and a swimsuit. Snorkeling gear available from Moorings. Bring SCUBA fins, mask & snorkel, & your Certification card if you are diving.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Need current Passport. SCUBA Diving will require an addition charge.

 

  • INSTRUCTOR: Omar "Mo" Hakeem
  • NEEDSLIST (see above)
  • AVAILABILITY